Spa suggests the possibility of additional F1 races beyond the newly established rotation agreement.

      "What if this doesn’t happen or it doesn’t go as planned?"

      Spa-Francorchamps may continue to host Formula 1 races beyond its guaranteed years within the sport’s new rotation system, as stated by circuit chairman Melchior Wathelet. Earlier this year, after a phase of uncertainty, F1 and the renowned venue forged a new six-year agreement that extends to 2031. The Belgian Grand Prix is confirmed for 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031, with 2028 and 2030 skipped to accommodate other locations in Liberty Media’s plan.

      However, Wathelet mentioned to Dutch publication Formule 1: "It’s possible that races could occur in the other two years too - I’m not excluding any options." The former Belgian deputy prime minister, who leads both the grand prix organization and the circuit, added: "Generally, another circuit will fill the calendar in 2028 and 2030 instead of Spa-Francorchamps. But still, what if this doesn’t take place or doesn’t work out? In that case, the Belgians would be eager to fill that gap. The contract guarantees a minimum of four races in those years, not just a maximum."

      Wathelet highlighted that Spa's popularity is currently "immense, more than ever," fueled by Netflix’s Drive to Survive and the highly successful Brad Pitt F1 film. "Around a third of our attendees are under 34, and roughly a third are women," he shared. "There's a wonderful mix, and that’s precisely what we aim for. It helps maintain the sport's appeal, particularly in Europe, where attention is hard-fought."

      He did point out that negotiations with Liberty Media were "rigorous" but credited the support from the Walloon Region for securing the six-year contract. "They provide a very good image for Formula 1," he noted, referring to F1's American commercial rights holders. "The sport is currently very robust. Many countries wish to host a race, resulting in an increasing shift in the calendar. We now have a six-year contract with four races, which offers us a vision for the coming years, in the medium term."

      Wathelet stated that the primary goal for Spa is to ensure the event runs at least until 2027. "And afterwards, too, in 2029 and 2031," he emphasized. "So not in 2028 and 2030 - there’s at least a chance we won’t have a race then. But it’s also possible we could, although I can’t assign a percentage to that."